Revamping Lincolnshire: Mayor's Bold Vision for Transport and Growth Unveiled in Meeting with PM

In a recent meeting at Lancaster House, Lincolnshire’s Mayor Dame Andrea Jenkyns made a compelling case for enhanced investment in transport and infrastructure to the Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. The meeting, which included several other mayors, aimed at addressing key regional issues and driving regional growth through infrastructure improvements.

Dame Andrea has championed transport improvements as a central promise of her election campaign, proposing the creation of “Transport for Greater Lincolnshire”. This initiative focuses on major roads like the A15, A52, and A17, and emphasizes the need for better integration between buses, trains, and cars. She views these improvements as essential not just for convenience but for overall economic growth.

During the discussions, the Prime Minister acknowledged the importance of regional leaders in fostering growth and expressed optimism over trade agreements with the EU and India, as well as a tariff deal with the US. He highlighted how these deals could significantly benefit Lincolnshire’s key industries, particularly farming and steel. With 39,000 manufacturing positions and 100,000 jobs in the agri-food sector within the county, these developments are positionally crucial.

Dame Andrea and other attendees also discussed the economic landscape of Lincolnshire, touching on the often-overlooked coastal communities and the need for upskilling to meet job demands. To address local job shortages, Dame Andrea announced plans to establish a trades college in Lincolnshire, focusing on training for roles in plumbing, building, and other critical industries.

Sir Keir Starmer responded to concerns about regional funding disparities, promising that Lincolnshire would benefit from new international agreements. He refuted claims that the central government was hostile to rural areas, positioning these new trade deals as vital for the region’s economic recovery and growth.

Overall, the meeting marked a significant step toward enhancing Lincolnshire’s infrastructure and economic trajectory, with both the Mayor and the Prime Minister expressing a commitment to fostering growth through collaborative efforts.